Apparatuses and methods for treating, purifying and/or extracting from wastewater

ABSTRACT

An efficient, cost-effective, and efficacious technique for removing coal ash and other pollutants from waterways, ponds, marshes, holding tanks and other water sources and supplies. An apparatus comprising an open cage including electromagnets and/or permanent magnets and/or electrodes is supplied with electrical power to extract materials such as rare earth elements and/or heavy metals. The materials levitate to the surface, forming a slurry while leaving water substantially free of such materials.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/687,092 filed 19 Jun. 2018 under attorney docket no.C760729/2390893 in the name of David Keith Fisher and entitled“WASTEWATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS”, which application isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

FIELD

This technology relates to methods and apparatus for cleaning orotherwise removing materials from liquids and/or fluids, and moreparticularly for extracting metals from aqueous solutions. Examplenon-limiting embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for usingelectrical phenomena, such as electromagnetic fields, and/orelectrochemical reactions, such as electrolysis, to purify water andremove pollutants. Still more particularly, example non-limitingembodiments provide, as one case, method and apparatus for purifyingaqueous solutions containing pollutants such as for example coal ash orcomponents of coal ash.

BACKGROUND

Coal ash, also referred to as coal combustion residuals or CCRs, isproduced primarily from burning coal such as at coal-fired power plants.Coal ash includes a number of by-products produced from burning coal,including

-   -   Fly Ash: a fine, powdery material generally composed mostly of        silica made from burning finely ground coal in a boiler.    -   Bottom Ash: a coarse, angular ash particle that is too large to        be carried up into smoke stacks, so it forms in the bottom of        the coal furnace.    -   Boiler Slag: molten bottom ash from slag tap and cyclone type        furnaces that turns into pellets that have a smooth glassy        appearance after cooled with water.    -   Flue Gas Desulphurization Material: material left over from the        process of reducing sulfur-dioxide emissions from a coal-fired        boiler that can be a wet sludge consisting of calcium sulfite or        calcium sulfate or a dry powdered material that is a mixture of        calcium sulfites and calcium sulfates.

Other types of by-products from burning coal can include:

-   -   fluidized bed combustion ash,    -   cenospheres (lightweight, inert, hollow spheres made largely of        silica and alumina and filled with air or inert gas, typically        produced as a byproduct of coal combustion at thermal power        plants), and    -   scrubber residues.

Coal ash is one of the largest types of industrial waste generated inthe United States. According to the American Coal Ash Association's CoalCombustion Product Production & Use Survey Report, nearly one hundredthirty million tons of coal ash were generated in 2014. See e.g., UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), “Coal Ash Basics” (Feb.5, 2019), retrievable from httwww.epa.gov/coalash/coal-ash-basic.

Coal ash is disposed of or used in different ways depending on the typeof by-product, the processes at the power plant, and the regulations thepower plant has to follow. Some power plants may dispose of coal ash insurface impoundments or in landfills. Others may discharge it intonearby waterways under the plant's water discharge permit.

Coal ash contains toxic metals and metalloids such as mercury, cadmiumand arsenic. Without proper management, these contaminants can pollutewaterways, ground water, and drinking water. The three metals, lead,mercury and cadmium, and the metalloid arsenic have all caused majorhuman health problems in various parts of the world. The overt toxicityof these elements has been recognized for many years; indeed, theharmful effects of lead were known as far back as the second century BCin ancient Greece. Over the years, physicians became increasinglyfamiliar with the symptoms of metal poisoning arising in occupationallyexposed workers and in individual cases of poisoning. Exposure to suchmetals can cause grave health issues in both adults and children. SeeHutton, “Human Health Concerns of Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Arsenic”,Chapter 6, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Arsenic in the Environment (JohnWiley & Sons 1987).

Large spills near Kingston, Tenn., and Eden, N.C., highlighted need foraction to help ensure protective coal ash disposal. These spills causedwidespread environmental and economic damage to nearby waterways andproperties. In response, the United States Federal Government enactedrules to regulate the disposal of coal ash. See Federal Register 80 FR21301 (Apr. 17, 2015). More recently, the Environmental ProtectionAgency has proposed allowing states and the EPA to incorporateflexibilities into their coal ash permit programs.

Waterway pollution resulting from coal ash is far from being solved, andrepresents a long-felt but unsolved need. What is needed: an efficient,cost-effective, efficacious technique for removing coal ash, coal ashcomponents, and/or other pollutants from waterways, ponds, marshes,holding tanks and other water sources and supplies.

More broadly, the world needs better ways to extract and/or remove traceelements and/or other materials such as for example lead, mercury,cadmium and/or arsenic from liquids such as water.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Non-limiting aspects of exemplary non-limiting technology herein includethe following;

-   -   1. A method/process of removing a material from a liquid and/or        fluid using an apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein.    -   2. A method/process of removing a material from a liquid and/or        fluid using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2.    -   3. A method/process of removing a material from a solid        composition that comprises adding a solid composition to a        liquid and/or fluid to form a mixture, and using an apparatus        (e.g., 100) provided herein to remove the material from the        mixture.    -   4. A method/process of removing at least one toxic and/or        valuable material from a solid composition that comprises adding        a solid composition to a liquid and/or fluid to form a mixture,        and using an apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein to remove the        at least one toxic and/or valuable material from the mixture, in        some instances leaving clean and/or potable water.    -   5. A method/process of removing a material from a solid        composition that comprises adding a solid composition to a        liquid and/or fluid to form a mixture, and using an operating        process as set forth in FIG. 2 to remove the material from the        mixture.    -   6. The method of 4 or 5 wherein the solid composition is coal        ash.    -   7. The method according to any of 1-6 wherein the material is a        pollutant such as a metal (e.g., a heavy metal or metals) and/or        a component of coal ash.    -   8. The method of 7 wherein the pollutant is a component of coal        ash.    -   9. The method of 6 or 7 wherein the coal ash is fly ash, bottom        ash, boiler slag, or flue gas.    -   10. The method according to any of 4-8 wherein the pollutant or        solid composition comprises at least one heavy metal.    -   11. The method of 10 wherein the pollutant or solid composition        comprises at least one heavy metal selected from the group        consisting of Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, and As.    -   12. The method according to any of 4-11 wherein the pollutant or        solid composition comprises at least one metal selected from Ag,        As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se.    -   13. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a material        from a liquid and/or fluid containing coal ash using a cleaning        and/or extracting apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein.    -   14. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a material        from a liquid and/or fluid containing coal ash using an        operating process as set forth in FIG. 2.    -   15. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a material        from coal ash that comprises adding coal ash to a liquid and/or        fluid to form a mixture, and using a cleaning apparatus        (e.g., 100) provided herein to remove and/or extract the        material from the mixture.    -   16. A method/process of removing a material from coal ash that        comprises adding coal ash to a liquid and/or fluid to form a        mixture, and using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2        to remove the material from the mixture.    -   17. The method according to any of 13-16 wherein the coal ash is        fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, or flue gas.    -   18. The method according to any of 13-17 wherein the material        comprises at least one heavy metal.    -   19. The method of 18 wherein the material comprises at least one        heavy metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Co, Cu,        Pb, Mn, Mg, Mo, Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, Va, V, Sr, Sb, Be, and As.    -   20. The method according to any of 13-19 wherein the material        comprises at least one metal selected from Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr,        Hg, Pb, and Se.    -   21. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a rare earth        element from a liquid and/or fluid using a cleaning apparatus        (e.g., 100) provided herein.    -   22. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a rare earth        element from a liquid and/or fluid using an operating process as        set forth in FIG. 2.    -   23. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a rare earth        element from a soluble, partially soluble, or insoluble        composition that comprises adding the composition to a liquid        and/or fluid to form a mixture, and using a cleaning apparatus        (e.g., 100) provided herein to remove and/or extracting the rare        earth element from the mixture.    -   24. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a rare earth        element from a soluble, partially soluble, or insoluble        composition that comprises adding the composition to a liquid        and/or fluid to form a mixture, and using an operating process        as set forth in FIG. 2 to remove and/or extract the rare earth        element from the mixture.    -   25. The method/process according to any of 21-24 wherein the        removed and/or extracted rare earth element, comprises at least        one of: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb,        Lu, Sc, and Y.    -   26. The method/process according to any of 21-25 wherein the        removed and/or extracted rare earth element, comprises at least        one light rare earth element selected from Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Nd,        and Pm.    -   27. The method/process according to any of 21-26 wherein the        removed and/or extracted rare earth element, comprises at least        one medium rare earth elements selected from Sm, Eu, and Gd.    -   28. The method/process according to any of 21-27 wherein the        removed and/or extracted rare earth element, comprises at least        one heavy rare earth element selected from Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm,        Yb, Lu, and Y.    -   29. A method/process of treating a liquid and/or fluid to remove        a contaminant, using a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided        herein to produce treated water.    -   30. A method/process of treating a liquid and/or fluid to remove        a contaminant using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2,        to produce treated water.    -   31. The method/process according to any of 1-30 wherein the        liquid and/or fluid is water.    -   32. The method/process of 31 wherein the water is flood water,        stream water, pit water, or pond water such as tailings pond        water.    -   33. The method/process of 31 or 32 wherein the water is        wastewater.    -   34. The method/process of 33 wherein the wastewater is an        industrial wastewater such as an effluent from a food processing        and canning operation, runoff from a mining operation, a        radioactive waste, a hazardous waste, or an industrial waste        from a manufacturing operation.    -   35. The method/process according to any of 21-26 wherein the        wastewater is a heavy metal wastewater such as industrial heavy        metal wastewater.    -   36. The method according to any of 31-35 wherein the water        comprises at least one heavy metal selected from the group        consisting of Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, and As.    -   37. The method/process according to any of 31-36 wherein the        water comprises at least one metal selected from Ag, As, Ba, Cd,        Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se.    -   38. The method/process according to any of 31-34 wherein the        water comprises at least one rare earth element, comprises at        least one of: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er,        Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc, and Y.    -   39. The method/process according to any of 21-38 wherein the        wastewater is a stickwater.    -   40. The method/process according to any of 1-39, which further        comprises collecting the contaminant, metal, heavy metal, or        rare earth element.    -   41. The method/process according to any of 1-40, which further        comprises discharging or removing the liquid and/or fluid        produced or treated according to the method/process.    -   42. The method/process according to any of 1-39, which further        comprises re-use of the liquid and/or fluid produced or treated        according to the method/process to produce wastewater.    -   43. A method/process of removing and/or extracting a material/a        rare earth element/a contaminant/a heavy metal/from a liquid        and/or fluid, comprising (a) exposing liquid containing the        material/rare earth element/contaminant/heavy metal/coal ash to        a magnetic field gradient; and (b) performing electrolysis on        the exposed liquid, the electrolysis causing a slurry to rise to        the surface of the liquid.    -   44. The method/process of 43 wherein an electrolyte is added to        the liquid or exposed liquid such that the ion concentration of        the liquid is sufficient to carry out electrolysis.    -   45. The method/process of 44 wherein the electrolyte comprises        salt of aluminum (e.g., aluminum sulfate or “alum”, aluminum        chloride, or poly aluminum chloride), iron (e.g., carbonates,        chlorides or sulfates), calcium (e.g., carbonates, chlorides or        sulfates), sodium (e.g., carbonates, chlorides or sulfates), or        a mixture thereof.    -   46. The method/process according to any of 43-45 wherein the        electrolyte comprises sodium carbonate.    -   47. The method/process according to any of 43-46 wherein the        magnetic field gradient is formed by a ferromagnetic rod        electromagnet that forms a magnetic field of 200-4500, 300-3000,        400-2500, 500-2000, 600-1500, 800-1300 or 25-1300 Gauss, and a        lower stator field coil winding assembly that forms a magnetic        field of 15-250, 25-200, 50-170, or 75-150 Gauss.    -   48. The method/process according to any of 43-45 wherein the        magnetic field gradient is formed by a ferromagnetic rod        electromagnet that forms a magnetic field of 200-4500, 300-3000,        400-2500, 500-2000, 600-1500, 800-1300 or 25-1300 Gauss, a lower        stator field coil winding assembly that forms a magnetic field        of 15-250, 25-200, 50-170, or 75-150 Gauss, a middle stator        field coil winding assembly that forms a magnetic field of        5-150, 10-100, or 25-75 Gauss, and an upper stator field coil        winding assembly that forms a magnetic field of 1-100, 5-75, or        10-50 Gauss.    -   49. The method/process according to any of 43-45 wherein the        magnetic field is formed by at least one electromagnet that        forms a magnetic field of 200-4500, 300-3000, 400-2500,        500-2000, 600-1500, 800-1300 or 25-1300 Gauss, which magnetic        field is static and uniform, static and non-uniform, dynamic and        uniform, or dynamic and non-uniform.    -   50. The method/process according to any of 43-49 wherein        electrolysis is performed by at least one cylindrical electrode        assembly that provides alternating anodes and cathodes having a        spacing such as 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm or about 3 mm.    -   51. The method/process of 50 wherein the at least one        cylindrical electrode assembly contains 2-40, 4-30, 6-30, 10-30,        15-30, or 18-24, alternating anodes and cathodes.    -   52. The method/process according to any of 50 or 51 wherein        electrolysis is performed by 1-24, 2-16, 4-12, or 6-12, circular        and/or cylindrical electrode assemblies.    -   53. The method/process according to any of 43-52 wherein        electrolysis is performed by plural (E.g., 3 or 6 or 9 or 12 or        15 or 2 or 4 or 6 or 8 or 10 or 5 or 7 or 11 or 13 or 14 or 16)        cylindrical electrode assemblies each having some number such as        24 alternating anodes and cathodes and wherein the spacing of        the alternating electrodes in the electrode assemblies is 0.5-10        mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm or about 33.    -   54. The method/process according to any of 43-53 wherein        electrolysis is performed at 1-10, 2-8, or 3-5 or 2-80 or 6 or        12 or 20 Volts.    -   55. The method/process according to any of 43-54 wherein        electrolysis is performed for 15 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes        to 2 hours, 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, or 30 minutes to 48 hours.

Additional features of the example non-limiting embodiments include:

1. A method/process of removing a material from a liquid and/or fluidusing a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein.

2. A method/process of removing a material from a liquid and/or fluidusing an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2.

3. A method/process of removing a material from a solid compositioncharacterized by adding a solid composition to a liquid and/or fluid toform a mixture, and using a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) providedherein to remove the material from the mixture, leaving the liquidand/or fluid substantially free of the material.

4. A method/process of removing a material from a solid composition in amixture comprising a liquid and/or fluid, characterized by using acleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein to remove the materialfrom the mixture.

5. A method/process of removing a material from a solid compositioncharacterized by adding a solid composition to a liquid and/or fluid toform a mixture, and using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2 toremove the material from the mixture or substantially remove thematerial from the mixture.

6. The method of 4 or 5 wherein the solid composition is coal ash.

7. The method according to any of 1-6 wherein the material is apollutant such as a metal (e.g., a heavy metals) and/or a component ofcoal ash

8. The method of 7 wherein the pollutant is a component of coal ash.

9. The method of 6 or 7 wherein the coal ash is fly ash, bottom ash,boiler slag, or flue gas.

10. The method according to any of 4-8 wherein the pollutant or solidcomposition comprises at least one heavy metal.

11. The method of 10 wherein the pollutant or solid compositioncomprises at least one heavy metal selected from the group consisting ofCr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, and As.

12. The method according to any of 4-11 wherein the pollutant or solidcomposition comprises at least one metal selected from Ag, As, Ba, Cd,Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se.

13. A method/process of removing a material from a liquid and/or fluidcontaining coal ash using a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) providedherein.

14. A method/process of removing a material from a liquid and/or fluidcontaining coal ash using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2.

15. A method/process of removing a material from coal ash that ischaracterized by adding coal ash to a liquid and/or fluid to form amixture, and using a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein toremove the material from the mixture.

16. A method/process of removing a material from coal ash that ischaracterized by adding coal ash to a liquid and/or fluid to form amixture, and using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2 to removethe material from the mixture.

17. The method according to any of 13-16 wherein the coal ash is flyash, bottom ash, boiler slag, or flue gas.

18. The method according to any of 13-17 wherein the material comprisesat least one heavy metal.

19. The method of 18 wherein the material comprises at least one heavymetal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Mg, Mo,Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, Va, V, Sr, Sb, Be, and As.

20. The method according to any of 13-19 wherein the material comprisesat least one metal selected from Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se.

21. A method/process of removing a rare earth element from a liquidand/or fluid using a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein.

22. A method/process of removing a rare earth element from a liquidand/or fluid using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2.

23. A method/process of removing a rare earth element from a soluble,partially soluble, or insoluble composition that is characterized byadding the composition to a liquid and/or fluid to form a mixture, andusing a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein to remove therare earth element from the mixture.

24. A method/process of removing a rare earth element from a soluble,partially soluble, or insoluble composition that is characterized byadding the composition to a liquid and/or fluid to form a mixture, andusing an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2 to remove the rareearth element from the mixture.

25. The method/process according to any of 21-24 wherein the removedrare earth element, comprises at least one of: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm,Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc, and Y.

26. The method/process according to any of 21-25 wherein the removedrare earth element, comprises at least one light rare earth elementselected from Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Pm.

27. The method/process according to any of 21-26 wherein the removedrare earth element, comprises at least one medium rare earth elementsselected from Sm, Eu, and Gd.

28. The method/process according to any of 21-27 wherein the removedrare earth element, comprises at least one heavy rare earth elementselected from Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y.

29. A method/process of treating a liquid and/or fluid to remove acontaminant, using a cleaning apparatus (e.g., 100) provided herein toproduce treated water.

30. A method/process of treating a liquid and/or fluid to remove acontaminant using an operating process as set forth in FIG. 2, toproduce treated water.

31. The method/process according to any of 1-30 wherein the liquidand/or fluid is water.

32. The method/process of 31 wherein the water is flood water, streamwater, pit water, or pond water such as tailings pond water.

33. The method/process of 31 or 32 wherein the water is wastewater.

34. The method/process of 33 wherein the wastewater is an industrialwastewater such as an effluent from a food processing and canningoperation, runoff from a mining operation, a radioactive waste, ahazardous waste, or an industrial waste from a manufacturing operation.

35. The method/process according to any of 21-26 wherein the wastewateris a heavy metal wastewater such as industrial heavy metal wastewater.

36. The method according to any of 31-35 wherein the water comprises atleast one heavy metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Co, Cu,Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, and As.

37. The method/process according to any of 31-36 wherein the watercomprises at least one metal selected from Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb,and Se.

38. The method/process according to any of 31-34 wherein the watercomprises at least one rare earth element, comprises at least one of:La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc, and Y.

39. The method/process according to any of 21-38 wherein the wastewateris a stickwater.

40. The method/process according to any of 1-39, which further comprisescollecting the contaminant, metal, heavy metal, or rare earth element.

41. The method/process according to any of 1-40, which further comprisesdischarging or removing the liquid and/or fluid produced or treatedaccording to the method/process.

42. The method/process according to any of 1-39, which is furthercharacterized by re-use of the liquid and/or fluid produced or treatedaccording to the method/process to produce wastewater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of exemplary non-limitingillustrative embodiments is to be read in conjunction with the drawingsof which:

FIG. 1 shows an example non-limiting cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 2A shows an example non-limiting cleaning process;

FIG. 2B shows an example non-limiting electrical diagram of an examplecleaning apparatus;

FIG. 3A shows an example non-limiting surface circulation produced bythe FIG. 1 apparatus;

FIG. 3B shows an example non-limiting surface slurry produced by theFIG. 1 apparatus;

FIG. 4 shows an example non-limiting electromagnet stack portion of theFIG. 1 apparatus;

FIG. 4A shows an example rod electromagnet;

FIGS. 4B & 4C show an example non-limiting electromagnet stator fieldcoil arrangement;

FIG. 4D shows an example non-limiting possible model of a magnetic fielddistribution pattern in one horizontal plane through or near thecleaning apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows an example non-limiting cage of the FIG. 1 apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows an example non-limiting embodiment including the FIG. 4electromagnet stack mounted within the FIG. 5 cage;

FIG. 7 shows an example non-limiting electrolysis electrode structure;

FIG. 8 shows the example non-limiting embodiment providing the FIG. 5cage populated with FIG. 7 electrolysis electrode structures;

FIG. 8A shows an example mounting of the FIG. 7 electrolysis electrodeswithin the FIG. 5 cage;

FIG. 8B shows a detail of example mounting of the FIG. 7 electrolysiselectrode structure within the FIG. 5 cage;

FIG. 9 shows an example non-limiting cleaning apparatus embodimentincluding both the electromagnet stack and electrolysis electrodestructures as well as rare earth permanent magnets;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show example non-limiting alternative cageconfigurations;

FIGS. 11A-11B show an alternative example configuration of an apparatus;

FIGS. 12A-12B show another alternative example configuration of anapparatus;

FIG. 13 shows another alternative example configuration of an apparatus;and

FIGS. 14A-14H show example graphs of results.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the technology herein provide a device that can be placedinto a polluted pond or holding tank and powered with clean energy, suchas electricity, to clean the water by extracting the impurities andpollutants. FIG. 1 shows such a device in the form of an examplenon-limiting embodiment of a cleaning apparatus 100 suspended andimmersed within liquid container H.

In the example shown, container H could be a pond, runoff container,tank, waterway, ocean, lake, stream, river, creek, ditch, run, pool,estuary, marsh, well, or any other water-containing structure. It cancontain fresh water, brackish water, sea water, sewage, industrialrunoff such as stickwater, or other fluids or liquids.

Disclosure of liquids and/or fluids and/or gels such as wastewaters thatcan be used/treated:

In the discussion herein, “water” (W) is all encompassing of theprovided embodiments, unless otherwise indicated by context in theapplication. Such “water” (W) includes produced water, flood water,stream water, pond water (e.g., tailings pond water), industrialeffluent, wastewater (e.g., industrial wastewater), or other suitablefluid. In particular embodiments, the “Water”, “W”, “wastewater” refersto water containing coal ash.

“Wastewater” water containing dissolved and suspended contaminantsWastewater comes in many forms:

-   -   Wastewater can be sewage in the form of human or non-human        waste, effluents from, for example, food processing and canning        operations, runoff from mining operations, radioactive wastes,        hazardous wastes, or industrial waste from manufacturing        operations. “Wastewater” as used herein means any such water        based industrial, human, non-human, and heavy metal wastewater        (e.g., industrial heavy metal wastewater).    -   Industrial wastewater may contain for example, dissolved        concentrations of heavy metals, for example iron, manganese,        copper, tin, lead, nickel, mercury, zinc, and cadmium.    -   heavy metal wastewater: a liquid or solution containing coal ash        (e.g., coal fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas, and/or        any combination thereof) and/or mine wastewater.    -   any electrolyte, i.e., a liquid or gel that contains ions and        can be decomposed by electrolysis.    -   Other liquids such as alcohols, crude oil, or fractional        products thereof, and other industrial or other liquid        byproducts are also possible.

Cleaning apparatus 100 is shown suspended within liquid, fluid and/orgel such as water W so it is at least partly immersed or submersed. Inother arrangements, the cleaning apparatus 100 could be resting on thebottom of the pond, tank, riverbed or other container or it could besupported on pylons or some other raised support arrangement within thefluid. In still other possible embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100could be supported by floats or other buoyant structures, or supportedand/or pulled by a water craft, aircraft or other device below, on orabout the surface C. In preferred non-limiting embodiments, apparatus100 is supported in such a way that fluid can circulate through andaround the apparatus. In still other embodiments, the apparatus 100 orcomponents thereof can be enclosed within a pipe or other passagewaythrough which fluid flows, providing a continuous cleaning operationwith respect to a stream of contaminated fluid flowing through the pipeor other passageway.

Cleaning apparatus 100 can thus be either stationary or moveable,depending on requirements or applications. The dimensions of cleaningapparatus 100 can vary depending upon requirements such as fluid volume.

Reaction Volume Size:

In some embodiments, the reaction volume is 0.1 to 100,000, 1 to 10,000,10 to 5,000 gallons, or 100 to 2,500 gallons, 150 to 1,000 gallons, or200 to 750 gallons, or about 200 to 250 gallons.

Electrical Power

In the example shown, cleaning apparatus 100 is connected to anelectrical power supply 108. Power supply 108 selectively supplieselectrical power to cleaning apparatus 100. The electrical power can bederived from any power source(s) such as power mains, solar panels,hydroelectric generators, wind powered generators, fuel cells,batteries, or the like. In one example non-limiting embodiment, powersupply 108 provides low voltage direct current such as for example 5 or6 or 9 or 12 or 15 VDC at high current such as 60 or 120 amps throughthe use of an electrical AC stepdown transformer, a semiconductorrectifier diode, and DC inductive and/or capacitive filtering componentssuch as capacitors and/or chokes.

In one example operating mode, cleaning apparatus 100 includes one ormore electromagnets 102 that, when supplied with electrical current,produce a magnetic field(s). In another operating mode, power supply 108supplies electrical current to electrolysis electrodes 104 that causethe fluid, liquid or gel to undergo an electrolysis electrochemicaloxidation/reduction reaction, for example in the case of water W:

2H₂O>2H₂+O₂.

Thus, when power supply 108 supplies electrical current to theelectrolysis electrodes 104, the cleaning apparatus 100, in oneparticular example, separates water W into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas,which may bubble up from the depths of the water W to the surface S asshown in FIGS. 3A, 3B.

Example Non-Limiting Process

FIG. 2 shows one non-limiting example operating protocol or process 300for cleaning apparatus 100, and FIG. 2A shows an example non-limitingelectrical block diagram including two switches and a DC current leveladjustment. In a particular non-limiting operating mode shown, the powersupply 108 energizes electromagnets 102 to produce a magnetic field(block 302). In one particular non-limiting embodiment, the power supply108 alternates different voltage/current/power levels to expose water Wto magnetic fields of different magnetic field strengths. In the exampleshow, an e.g., 12 volt DC 100-amp power supply 200 is alternatelyconnected to either electromagnets 104 (which may comprise multipleelectromagnets 109, 118, 120, 122), or to the electrolysis electrodes104.

One result of such magnetic field energization is to permanentlymagnetize certain metals within water W including for exampleferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles in or carried by the water W. Inparticular, some types of coal ash contain a substantial percentage offerromagnetic particles. It is desirable to remove/extract suchferromagnetic particles from the water W. These ferromagnetic particlesmay be attracted to a magnetic field or, if exposed to a strong magneticfield for a sufficient period of time, will magnetize and themselvesbecome permanent magnets. Such high ferromagnetic content of coal ashcan be observed by conducting a simple experiment: add coal ash to waterin a clear tube and agitate. After a few minutes, most of the coal ashwill settle to the bottom of the tube. Then bring a strong rare earthmagnet into proximity with the tube. The rare earth magnet will attractand retain ferromagnetic material within the coal ash, separating theferromagnetic material from the non-ferromagnetic components of the coalash. Permanently magnetizing such ferromagnetic material may cause theindividual particles to clump or flocculate.

In some cases, water W may be agitated before or during the magnetizingstep 302 to circulate water W through the cleaning apparatus 100. Inother example non-limiting modes of operation, the magnetic field and/orpossibly heat produced by electromagnets 102 may cause circulation ofwater W or at least ferromagnetic and/or paramagnetic particles disposedwith the water W.

The effect of the magnetic field produced by step 302 is not limited tomagnetizing ferromagnetic and/or paramagnetic particles suspended inwater W. In particular, as will be explained below, in some examplenon-limiting embodiments, the electromagnet 102 produces a magneticfield gradient that may have a significant and measurable effect onwater W and/or its suspended or in-solution components. With themagnetic field turned on, one can observe a circulation of water W or atleast the circulation of suspended ferromagnetic or paramagneticparticles that are within or flowing through cleaning apparatus 100.Specifically, in some disclosed non-limiting applications, the magneticfield can cause observable vortices, recirculating currents and/or othercurrents to form within the water W.

Different or various circulation rates and/or different or variouscirculation directions may be observed when the current that powersupply 108 applies to electromagnet 102 is varied. The observed vorticesor other currents or fluid motion may be circulation of suspendedferromagnetic or paramagnetic particles within the magnetic field.

The magnetic field could have other effects on the water W and/ormaterials and/or particles within the water. See for example, Virgen etal, “Removal of Heavy Metals Using Adsorption Processes Subject to anExternal Magnetic Field” (http)://dx.dio.org/10.5772/intechopen.74050);Lin et al, “The effect of magnetic force on hydrogen productionefficiency in water electrolysis”, Fuel and Energy Abstracts 37(2)(January 2012); Lin et al, “Effect Of Lorentz Force On HydrogenProduction In Water Electrolysis Employing Multielectrodes”, Journal ofMarine Science and Technology, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 511-518 (2016); Ni'amet al, “Combined Magnetic Field and Electrocoagulation Process forSuspended Solid Removal from Wastewater”, Proceedings of the 1stInternational Conference on Natural Resources Engineering & Technology2006 384-393; 24-25th (July 2006, Putrajaya, Malaysia) Zaidi et al,“Magnetic Field Application and its Potential in Water and WastewaterTreatment Systems”, Separation & Purification Reviews 43:206-240,(2014); US20160045841A1; WO2013144664.

Example Addition of Electrolyte

Referring once again to the FIG. 2 example non-limiting operatingprocess, once the magnetic field has been energized for a period of time(the duration and intensity of which may vary depending upon theapplication or other factors), the magnetic field may be deactivated (inother embodiments, the magnetic field may remain activated). Then (asbefore), if necessary or desirable, a conductive salt may be added towater W. The water may be agitated to cause the conductive salt todissolve within the water W (block 304), thereby forming an electrolyte.The formation of electrolyte(s) enables the water W to conductelectrical current and undergo electrolysis. Generally speaking, anelectrolyte is a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposedby electrolysis. Generally speaking, electrolysis is a technique thatuses electric current such as a direct electric current (DC) to drive anotherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction, and more particularly, is atype of electrochemical reaction that uses electrical energy to causenonspontaneous oxidation-reduction (“redox”) reactions involving atransfer of electrons between two species to occur.

Water is an effective solvent for many ionic compounds. For example,solutions containing dissolved salts are typically electrolytes.Generally speaking, one particular kind of electrolyte is a substancewhose aqueous solution contain ions (i.e., positively and negativelycharged particles). The ionic chemical compound is composed of ions heldtogether by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonding. The ioniccompound is electrically neutral, but is formed of positively chargedions called cations and negatively charged ions called anions. Thepositively charged ion is called a cation because it is attracted to anegatively charged electrode called a cathode, and the negativelycharged ion is called an anion because it is attracted to a positivelycharged electrode called an anode. The ions can be single atoms (e.g.,Na+ and Cl−) or they can comprise multiple atoms. The ions can bemonovalent (e.g., Na+ and Cl−) or they can be multivalent (e.g., Mg²⁺,Mn²⁺, CA²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and CO₃ ⁻²).

In some embodiments, added electrolyte is a magnesium salt: magnesiumoxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium alkoxide, magnesium acetate,magnesium carbonate, magnesium chloride, or magnesium sulfate. Inparticular embodiments, the magnesium salt is magnesium sulfate.

In some embodiments, added electrolyte is a salt selected fromAl₂(SO₄)₃, FeCl₃, Fe₂(SO₄)₃, and polyaluminum hydroxychloride(Al_(n)Cl(_(3n-m))(OH)_(m)).

When an ionic compound dissolves in the water, the ions becomesurrounded by H₂O molecules, and the ions are said to be solvated. Thesolvation process helps stabilize the ions in solution and prevents thecations and anions from recombining Because the ions are free to moveabout, the ions typically become dispersed uniformly or fairly uniformlythroughout the solution.

In some embodiments, the reaction volume may comprise any acid, base, orsalt that disassociates in Water into cations and anions, provided thatthe disassociated cation has less standard electrode potential than ahydrogen ion to ensure production of hydrogen gas during electrolysis.Concentration of electrolytes in the reaction volume of the electrolytesolution contains a sufficient concentration of ions to conductelectricity and to carry out electrolysis in the provided apparatus.

Salts that produce hydroxide OH− ions when dissolved in water are calledalkali salts. Salts that produce acidic solutions (H+ ions) are calledacidic salts. Neutral salts are those salts that are neither acidic norbasic.

In one example non-limiting embodiment, magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄),otherwise known as Epsom salts, is added to water W. At 20 degrees C.,the solubility of MgSO4 is 35.1 g MgSO4 in 100 mL H2O, or 351 g in 1Liter of H2O. The formula mass of MgSO4 (anhydrous) is 120.366 g/mol.1.25 moles of MgSO4 will have a mass of 1.25 moles/Liter×120.66g/mole=150.456 g/Liter MgSO4. However, it is not necessary to make asaturated solution. In one example embodiment, only a sufficientquantity of this salt is added to make the water sufficiently conductiveto support efficient electrolysis. In aqueous solution, MgSO4dissociates into Mg2+ ions and (SO4)2− (sulfate) ions. Because sulfateis difficult to oxidize, it does not compete with the production ofhydrogen gas at the anode during electrolysis.

In other example non-limiting embodiments, the water W may already(before treatment) contain sufficient conductive salt to sustainelectrolysis. For example, if water W is sea water or brackish water, itmay already contain sufficient amounts of conductive salts and/orelectrolytes to support electrolysis. For example, sea water typicallycontains Sodium chloride (NaCl), Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), Potassiumchloride (KCl), Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), Potassium bromide (KBr),Boric acid (H3BO3), Sodium fluoride (NaF), Magnesium chloride (MgCl2),Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and Strontium chloride (SrCl2). See e.g., ASTMD1141-98. In other embodiments, any electrolyte, either inorganic ororganic, may also be used.

List of potential alternative salts/electrolytes that can potentially beused with the disclosed apparatus and according to the disclosed methodsinclude:

In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a salt of aluminum (e.g.,aluminum sulfate or “alum”, aluminum chloride, or poly aluminumchloride), iron (e.g., carbonates, chlorides or sulfates), calcium(e.g., carbonates, chlorides or sulfates), sodium (e.g., carbonates,chlorides or sulfates), or a mixture thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the electrolyte is strong (that is, ionizessubstantially completely upon dissolution). Non-limiting examples ofstrong electrolytes include HNO3, HClO4, H2SO4, HCl, HI, HBr, HClO3,HBrO3, alkali hydroxides, alkaline earth hydroxides (e.g., calciumhydroxide) and most salts (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium chloride andsodium chloride). In some embodiments, the electrolyte is selected fromsodium hydroxide, sodium sulphate, calcium chloride, sodium chloride,calcium hydroxide and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, electrolytecomprises salt water. The salt water may be formulated, or it may betaken directly from a large body of naturally occurring salt and/orbrackish water. In some embodiments, the electrolyte is preferablysodium carbonate. The electrolyte may be added in any suitable form.

Example Electrolysis

In electrolysis, two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) are immersedinto the electrolyte (e.g., an aqueous electrolytic solution) and asource of direct current is applied across the electrodes (the negativeside of the supply is connected to the cathode and the positive side ofthe supply is connected to the anode). In the electrolysis of aqueoussolutions, water may be oxidized to form oxygen gas (O₂) and/or reducedto form hydrogen gas (H₂). The rate of this “redox” reaction may dependon factors including pH, concentration, temperature and other effects.See e.g., van der Niet et al, “Water dissociation on well-definedplatinum surfaces: The electrochemical perspective”, Catal. Today 202(2013) 105-113; Shen et al, “A concise model for evaluating waterelectrolysis” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 36 (2011)14335-14341; Rossmeisl et al “Electrolysis of water on (oxidized) metalsurfaces”, Chemical Physics, 319 (2005) 178-184;www1.lsbu.ac.uk/water/electrolysis.html.

The generation of hydrogen gas may form hydroxides, which are known tobe efficacious for removing heavy metals from wastewater. See forexample Ayers et al “Removing Heavy Metals from Wastewater,” EngineeringResearch Center Report (August 1994). Generally speaking, molecularhydrogen (H₂) is a neutral molecule which, when dissolved in water, hasno influence on the water's pH. Methods of producing hydrogen water suchas bubbling or infusing, which simply add pure hydrogen gas to water, doso without changing the original pH of the water. Additionally, risinghydrogen gas bubbles may have the effect of levitating particles in thewater W to the surface S, where they can be skimmed or otherwiseremoved.

As shown in FIG. 2, once the water W is sufficiently conductive tosupport electrolysis, power supply 108 energizes the electrodes 104 tobegin electrolysis (block 306). Electrolysis causes the water W to breakdown into its elemental components (hydrogen gas and oxygen gas), whichbubble up to the surface S of water W as shown in FIG. 3A. Because ofthe configurations of the particular electrolysis electrodes 104, onemay observe circulation on the surface S of water W around each set ofelectrolysis electrodes 104.

As electrolysis proceeds, water currents circulate through cleaningapparatus 100. These water currents are produced at least in part by thebubbling of oxygen and hydrogen gas as the bubbles float to the surfaceS and are released into the atmosphere (in some embodiments these gasescan be captured).

As the electrolysis chemical reaction supported by electrodes 104proceeds, a slurry such as shown in FIG. 3B begins to develop on thesurface S of water W. The slurry may contain some material from the coalash. In one embodiment, the levitation of coal ash materials to thesurface S is significant. As time passes, the slurry on the surface Smay become thicker and develop a thickness of, for example, one or a fewinches. The slurry floats on the surface S from which it may be skimmedand removed. Meanwhile, rare earth magnets disposed at or near the topof the apparatus 100 may attract and retain ferromagnetic or otherparticles, some of which were magnetized by the magnetic field.

In the case of electrolysis using magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) as the salt,Mg²⁺ ions will be reduced at the cathode to magnesium metal. Themagnesium will react with water to produce H₂ gas and form Mg(OH)₂, astrong but not very soluble base. The pH is therefore expected toincrease near the cathode. The H⁺ concentration due to the slightacidity of MgSO₄ is quite small but any H⁺ which is removed by beingturned into H₂ gas results in the same effect: the pH increases at thecathode. At the anode, SO₄ ²⁻ anions are oxidized, O² is produced andthe sulfate ion is converted into SO₃ and hydrates to H₂SO₄ (sulfuricacid). The pH at the anode is therefore expected to decrease as sulfuricacid is formed. However, upon agitation/mixing the products of thecathodes and anodes, the H₂SO₄ is expected to react with the Mg(OH)₂ toagain produce MgSO₄. The result is no significant expected change in pHand conversion of water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. If theelectrolysis continues long enough, the decrease in the quantity ofwater (which the electrolysis converts to gas) will cause magnesiumsulfate to become more concentrated, which will decrease the pH becausemagnesium sulfate is acidic and soluble in water.

Example Non-Limiting Test Results

A result of the described processes causes the water W remaining withinthe water holding structure to become clean (or relatively clean) andfree (or relatively free) of material that was formerly dissolved orsuspended within the water. After operating for a sufficient period oftime that may depend upon the size of the cleaning apparatus, the amountof water W within the holding structure H and other factors, the water Wremaining in the holding structure will become purified or relativelypurified, or meet the standard of identity for purified or drinkablewater. See for example the standards of the Environmental ProtectionAgency under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), information about whichcan be found athttps://www.epa.gov/gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations and 40 Codeof Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 141 et seq. One purpose of theapparatuses and methods described herein is to treat wastewater so itcomplies or substantially complies with such regulations, i.e., tobecome drinkable or potable. Another purpose of the apparatuses andmethods described herein is to treat wastewater so it becomessubpotable, and/or otherwise able to be reused for other purposes. Theapparatuses and methods described herein can be used in combination withother techniques (e.g., ultraviolet light, sanitizing or other chemicaltreatment, filtration, etc.) to achieve particular desired results.

As one non-limiting illustrative example, the following Table I showsconcentration of certain metals before and after cleaning apparatus 100cleans a certain quantity of water W into which coal ash has been added(see also FIGS. 14A-14F):

TABLE I Concentration Before Concentration After Metal Treatment (mg/L)Treatment (mg/L) Silver (Ag) 0.265 0.101 Arsenic (As) 62.00 <0.02 Barium(Ba) 184.00 1.63 Cadmium (Cd) 0.910 <0.002 Chromium (Cr) 11.500 <0.002Mercury (Hg) 0.61 0.06 Lead (Pb) 13.00 <0.01 Selenium (Se) <2.4 <0.2

Heavy metals (any metallic chemical element that has a relatively highdensity and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations) and rare earthelements (one of a set of seventeen chemical elements in the periodictable, specifically the fifteen lanthanides, as well as scandium andyttrium) that can be extracted/recovered according to the disclosedmethods:

-   -   Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Se.    -   Heavy metals: exemplary heavy metals include: Cr, Co, Cu, Pb,        Mn, Ni, Zn, Hg, Ag, and As.    -   Rare earth elements: exemplary rare earth elements, include:        lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd),        promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd),        terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er),        thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), lutetium (Lu), scandium (Sc) and        yttrium (Y). Exemplary light rare earth elements include Sc, La,        Ce, Pr, Nd, and Pm. Exemplary medium rare earth elements include        Sm, Eu, and Gd. Exemplary heavy rare earth elements include Tb,        Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y.    -   Rare earth elements recovered or extracted according to the        disclosed methods have numerous uses for example, in aerospace        components, high refractive index glass, flint, batteries,        catalysts, polishes, lasers, x-ray machines and capacitors,        fluorescent light bulbs, and permanent magnet motors in hybrid        vehicles, wind turbines, and computer disk drives.

Example Non-Limiting Electromagnets

FIG. 4 shows an example non-limiting electromagnet stack 102 an examplenon-limiting embodiment uses to generate a magnetic field. As shown inFIG. 4, electromagnet stack 102 comprises four main parts:

-   -   a ferromagnetic rod electromagnet 109;    -   an upper stator field coil winding assembly 118;    -   a middle stator field coil winding assembly 120; and    -   a lower stator field coil winding assembly 122.

FIG. 4A illustrates central ferromagnetic rod electromagnet 109, whichmay consist of or comprise an elongated iron cylindrical rod 111 ontowhich many coils of an insulated copper wire 116 have been wound. As iswell known, such a long length of copper wire wound as shown generates anearly uniform magnetic field similar to a bar magnet when DC currentflows through the winding.

FIG. 4A shows that this rod electromagnet 109 provides an elongatedsolenoid winding 116 outside of a ferromagnetic core. One examplenon-limiting implementation uses 2600 feet of 16-gauge insulated wire toform approximately 5600 uniform wraps of wire around a cylindrical ironrod. It is possible to derive the strength of the magnetic field of thisrod electromagnet 109 using ampere's law:

B=μn I

where B is the magnetic field, n is the number of turns, I is thecurrent flowing through the solenoid, and μ is a constant defining thepermeability of free space. Thus, the magnetic field B in theferromagnetic core 111 of this solenoid is directly proportional to theproduct of the current flowing around the solenoid and the number ofturns per unit length of the solenoid.

The magnetic field is very strong at each end or pole 110, 112 of theelectromagnet 109, but is relatively weak immediately outside of or onthe surface of the winding 116. The magnetic lines of force thesolenoidal winding produces are channeled through the ferromagnetic core111 and primarily extend from one (e.g., N) pole 110 to the other (e.g.,S) pole 112.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in one example non-limiting embodiment, theupper winding assembly 118, middle winding assembly 120, and lowerwinding assembly 122 each comprise stator field coil assemblies ofconventional AC induction motors with their armatures removed. Thus, theupper winding assembly 118 constitutes the stator field coil of asmaller AC induction motor, the medium winding assembly 120 constitutesthe stator field coil winding of a medium sized AC induction motor, andthe lower winding assembly 122 comprises the stator field coil windingsof a larger AC induction motor. In one example non-limiting embodiment,the upper winding assembly 118 is the stator of a ½ HP single phase ACinduction motor; the middle winding assembly 120 is from a 2.5 HP singlephase AC induction motor; and the lower winding assembly 122 is thestator from a 15 HP three-phase AC induction motor. The end bells of themotors have also been removed in this embodiment, leaving only the motorstator and its associated housing.

In this non-limiting embodiment, these stator assemblies 118, 120, 122,while designed to operate in air, are instead completely immersed inwater W. The water W removes heat from the stators when they areenergized by a DC current. As FIG. 4 shows, the lower motor 122 housingincludes cooling fins 124 which remove excess heat and increase thesurface area over which the heat can be dissipated in the surroundingwater. In one example non-limiting implementation, use of these statorassemblies that are designed to operate “dry” and are instead immersedin water provide unexpected results.

Typically, a stator core as shown in FIG. 4B comprises a stack of flathigh alloy steel rings that are insulated from one another electrically.Each of motor stator field coil assemblies 118, 120, 122 includes asteel alloy “doughnut” comprising a plurality of planar ring-like steelalloy plates that are laminated together to form a composite ring of acertain thickness. The resulting laminated steel ring defines, withinits inner circumference, a series of grooves or slots into which copperwire coils are laid as shown for example in FIG. 4C. Typically, sometype of insulative material (not shown) such as plastic lines thegrooves or slots so the insulation (often lamination) covering thecopper wire does not get cut, preventing the copper wires from shortingto one another and/or to the stator doughnut.

In the particular non-limiting implementation shown, since the statorassemblies 118, 120 began as single-phase induction motors, all of thewindings 119 within each of these assemblies are wound in series to forma single long winding. FIG. 4C shows laminated copper wire wound aroundthe stator core. Stator assemblies 118, 120, 122 thus each have windingscomprising vertically-oriented winding runs and horizontally-orientedwinding runs. The windings can comprise one long conductor or multipleconductors. As can be seen, the windings include horizontally-orientedwinding runs that have the same vertical orientation as the rod windings116 and vertically-oriented winding runs that lay in directions that areperpendicular to the direction of the rod windings 116. Since the statorwindings are spaced about the circumference of the doughnut-shapedstator core, they provide plural different orientations (18 differentorientations in the FIG. 4C non-limiting example, but otherconfigurations are also possible) in directions orthogonal to horizontaland vertical. These orientations result in many magnetic fieldorientations and alternate magnetic polarities such as shown in theexample FIG. 4D magnetic field model.

FIG. 4D shows that the winding is structured so that runs of the windingare spaced about the periphery of the stator core in successivelyrotated orientations. The FIG. 4D model also shows that the magneticfields alternate from N to S as one progresses around the circumferenceof the electromagnet. This model may exist in a single plane or range ofplanes perpendicular to axis V. Other such planes cutting through theelectromagnet stack may have different magnetic patterns depending onthe number of poles of the particular electromagnet 118, 120, 122 and/orthe relative rotational orientations of the different electromagnetswithin the stack. There is also a magnetic interaction between themagnetic field produced by the rod electromagnet 109 and the multi-polecircular magnets provided by stators 118, 120, 122. At least somecross-sections through the electromagnet stack may yield what may appearto be a “flower” shaped or multi-node pattern of FIG. 4D as plotted forexample using polar coordinates.

In the particular example shown, the upper stators 118, 120 are fromsingle-phased induction motors, whereas the stator 122 is from athree-phase induction motor. In one example embodiment, the three-phasemotor from which field coil winding assembly 122 is obtained has adifferent winding configuration than the single-phase motors from whichfield coil winding assemblies 118, 120 are taken. In one exampleembodiment, the three-phase motor stator coil provides nine (9) leads tothree different coils; these three coils are connected together(observing polarity and relative coil orientation) in one embodiment toprovide a substantially uniform magnetic field around the coil when the(now unified) coil is connected to a direct current source to provide amulti-node flower-shaped (with respect to magnetic polarization andfield strength) magnetic field pattern. In the example non-limitingembodiment, the three different windings of the three-phase motor 122are electrically connected in parallel in one embodiment, althoughseries connections are also possible. Connections are made to avoidovercurrents, and in some cases, saturation.

It is well known that an AC induction motor typically produces a statormagnetic field that rotates as the phase of the AC current changes. Seefor example Ho, S., “Analysis and design of AC induction motors withsquirrel cage rotors”, University of New Hampshire, Durham (Fall 1996);Alger, Philip L., The Nature of Polyphase Induction Machines. New York:John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1951); Chan et al, “Analysis of Electromagneticand Thermal Fields For Induction Motors During Starting,” IEEETransactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 9, No. 1 (March, 1994), pp.53-60; Trzynadlowski, Andrzej M., The Field Orientation Principle inControl of Induction Motors. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers (1994);Veinott, Cyril G., Theory and Design of Small Induction Motors, NewYork: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., (1959). However, in the examplenon-limiting embodiments herein, the stator windings are fed a directcurrent rather than an alternating current, so there is no pulsating orrotation of the magnetic field and the magnetic field is instead staticand constant. In other example non-limiting embodiments, the magneticfields are varying and/or pulsating or alternating. Generally speaking,the strengths of the magnetic fields depend on the current/voltage ofthe current source, the number of windings, the gauge of the copperwire, the size and configuration of the core on which the windings arewound, the composition of the medium in which the windings are immersed,and other factors such as temperature.

In the particular implementation shown, the electromagnet stack 102 hasmore windings 123 near the bottom of the stack, and fewer windings 119near the top of the stack. Accordingly, the electromagnet stack 102produces a magnetic field gradient with higher magnetic flux near thebottom of the stack and lower magnetic flux near the top of the stack.Meanwhile however, there will also be a strong magnetic flux at the endsor poles of the rod electromagnet 109, such that magnetic lines of forcewill extend around the periphery of the stack 102 from the top 110 tothe bottom end 112, just as in a conventional permanent bar magnet. SeeFIG. 4A. In other non-limiting embodiments, a uniform or substantiallyuniform magnetic field may be provided.

Magnetic Field Strength and Characterization:

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus forms a magnetic field of200-5000, 300-3000, 400-2500, 500-2000, 600-1500, 800-1300 or 25-1300Gauss. In preferred embodiments, the cleaning apparatus forms a magneticfield of 900-1250 Gauss or 975-1000 Gauss.

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus comprises a ferromagneticrod electromagnet (e.g., 109) that forms a magnetic field of 200-4500,300-3000, 400-2500, 500-2000, 600-1500, 800-1300 or 975-1000 Gauss.

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus generates an electromagneticfield gradient by an electromagnet stack. In some embodiments, thecleaning apparatus comprises a ferromagnetic rod electromagnet (e.g.,109) that forms a magnetic field of 200-4500, 300-3000, 400-2500,500-2000, 600-1500, or 800-1300 Gauss or 975-1000 Gauss and furthercomprises a lower stator field coil winding assembly (e.g., 122). Insome embodiments, the lower stator field coil winding assembly forms amagnetic field of 15-250, 25-200, 50-170, or 75-150 Gauss or 25-1300Gauss.

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus generates a magnetic fieldgradient by a magnet stack comprising a ferromagnetic rod electromagnet,a lower stator field coil winding assembly, and another stator fieldcoil winding assembly (e.g., 122). In some embodiments, the cleaningapparatus comprises a ferromagnetic rod electromagnet (e.g., 109) thatforms a magnetic field of 200-4500, 300-3000, 400-2500, 500-2000,600-1500, or 800-1300 or 975-1000 Gauss, a lower stator field coilwinding assembly that forms a magnetic field of 15-250, 25-200, 50-170,or 75-150 Gauss, and an additional stator field coil winding assembly(e.g., 122). In further embodiments, the additional stator field coilwinding assembly forms a magnetic field of 5-150, 10-100, or 25-75Gauss.

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus generates an electromagneticfield by a magnet stack comprising a ferromagnetic rod electromagnet, alower stator field coil winding assembly, and another stator field coilwinding assembly (e.g., 122). In some embodiments, the cleaningapparatus comprises a ferromagnetic rod electromagnet (e.g., 109) thatforms a magnetic field of 200-4500, 300-3000, 400-2500, 500-2000,600-1500, or 800-1300 or 975-1000 Gauss, a lower stator field coilwinding assembly that forms a magnetic field of 15-250, 25-200, 50-170,or 75-150 Gauss, a middle stator field coil winding assembly (e.g., 122)that forms a magnetic field of 5-150, 10-100, or 25-75 Gauss, and anupper stator field coil winding assembly (e.g., 118). In furtherembodiments, the upper stator field coil winding assembly forms amagnetic field of 1-100, 5-75, or 10-50 Gauss.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet stack may include oneelectromagnet, two electromagnets, three electromagnets, fourelectromagnets, or N electromagnets where N is any positive integer. Inother embodiments, the stack may include a combination of one or pluralpermanent magnets and one or plural electromagnets. In still otherembodiments, the stack can include any number K of permanent magnets andno electromagnets. While the disclosed stack produces a magnetic fieldgradient with a magnetic flux that can be changed, this is not limitingand other embodiments may provide a uniform and/or static magneticfield.

Example Cage Structure

FIG. 5 shows a frame or cage 150 of cleaning device 100. In theparticular example shown in FIG. 5, cage 150 is made of rugged materialand adjoined together to provide a magnetically- andelectrically-conductive rugged open enclosure. In some embodiments, thecage 150 is made of paramagnetic material such as iron, steel, cobalt,nickel or the like. In other embodiments, the cage could be made ofnon-conductive, non-ferromagnetic material such as carbon, graphite, ora plastic such as PVC. In the example shown, cage 150 is hexagonal inshape along axial viewing line V, but in other embodiments can haveother configurations such as the star-shaped ones shown in FIGS. 10A,10B for example.

In one particular non-limiting implementation, cage 150 includes a topor upper open end portion 152 and a bottom or lower open end portion 154each of which are shaped as an octagon, i.e., an eight-sided shape withall sides having equal lengths. At each vertex 156 between rods 152defining two adjacent sides of the upper end structure 152, there isdisposed a vertically oriented post or upright rod 158 that connects thevertex to a corresponding vertex 156′ of the lower end structure 154.The resulting open cage 150 thus appears to be octagonal when lookingaxially downward along viewing line V, or upward from the bottom alongthe same axis, but from the side might appear to be rectangular inprofile. The overall shape appears to be similar to certain coach-stylelanterns or other similar structures, except there are no solid or glasssides in the FIG. 5 embodiment and the side or sides of the cage areinstead entirely open to allow free circulation of water through thecage (but as shown in FIGS. 11A/11B, 12A/12B and 13, other embodimentsmay provide solid or closed sides). In some embodiments, the cleaningapparatus cage is a polygon when looking axially downward along viewingline V, or upward from the bottom along the same axis (e.g., 150). Insome embodiments, the cage is a regular polygon. In other embodiments,the cage is an irregular polygon. In some embodiments, the cage is apolygon having a number of sides which is a multiple of 4. See FIGS.10A, 10B for different configurations.

The top end 152 and bottom end 154 in the example non-limitingembodiment each provide a hub and spoke structure similar to a wagonwheel but with (in the embodiment shown) straight sides 152 rather thancurved ones. Thus, top portion 152 includes a hub 160 and a plurality ofspokes 162 extending outwardly from the hub to the vertices 156. In theexample non-limiting embodiment, spokes 162 have identical lengths andthus hub 160 is located directly in the center of the octagon shapedefined by upper end 152. In other embodiments, the structure could beasymmetrical or only partly symmetrical, depending on the application.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment shown, the upper end 152 mirrors the lower end154 so that overall cage 150 is symmetrical and the upright posts 158are exactly vertical and perpendicular to the octagonal side pieces 152.However, in other embodiments, the structure can be asymmetrical and/orthe uprights 158 can be angled rather than perpendicular and not exactlyvertical.

FIG. 5 shows that ends 152, 154 include hubs 160, 160′ for retaining theelectromagnet stack 106 centrally located within the cage 150. In theexample shown, hubs 160, 160′ secure the upper and lower ends 110, 112respectively of the rod electromagnet. As FIG. 6 shows, some additionalstructures such as flanges 166 and angled mounting bars 170 are used tofixedly retain the electromagnet stack 106 in a centrally-located fixedposition within cage 150. The rotational position of electromagnet stack106 within cage 150 is believed not to be critical such that theelectromagnet stack can be rotated in position relative to upright bars158. Similarly, the rotational orientation of each of field coilassemblies 118, 120, 122 relative to cage 150 or one another is believednot to be critical to the operation of example embodiments.

In the example shown, a retaining ring 164, 164′ is disposed at theintersection of each adjacent pair of octagon-side pieces 152, 152′ anda spoke 162, 162′. Such rings 164, 164′ in the example embodiment arehollow and each top ring 164 is coaxial with and aligned with a lowerring 164′. As will be explained below, the rings 164, 164′ are used inexample non-limiting embodiments to secure cylindrical electrodeassemblies 104. In the example shown, eight cylindrical electrodeassemblies are provided—one at each vertex 156, 156′ between adjoiningoctagonal-side pieces 152, 152′. In the example shown, the variouscylindrical electrode assemblies are all vertically aligned with axis V.

Example Electrolysis Electrodes 104

FIG. 7 shows an example non-limiting electrolysis electrode assembly 200that provides electrolysis electrodes 104. Assembly 200 includes a topring 202 and a bottom ring 204. Electrically-connected fingers 206integral to the top ring 202 and spaced about the ring's circumferenceextend downward from the top ring toward but not touching the bottomring 204, and electrically-connected fingers 208 integral to the bottomring 204 and spaced about its periphery extend upwardly towards but nottouching the upper ring 202. The fingers 206, 208 thus are interleaved,with each downwardly-extending finger 206 being adjacent to two upwardlyextending fingers 208, and vice versa.

In the example non-limiting embodiment, non-conductive binding rings 210retain the fingers 206, 208 in position so they do not electricallycontact one another. Each finger 208 comprises an electricallyconductive material such as aluminum, which is slotted to provide highsurface area. In the example shown, each finger 206 is shaped as a “V”in cross-section. However, other shapes such as cylindrical (∘),rectangular (□), planar (−) or the like can be used.

In the particular implementation shown, the spacings between adjacentfingers 206, 208 are uniform or substantially uniform. In one particularembodiment, the spacing can be set at ⅜″ center-to-center or ¼″ (e.g., 3mm) edge-to-edge. In one example embodiment, the assembly 200 can be 8″high and 4″ in diameter.

As shown in FIG. 7, two lead conductors 212 connect to the electrodeassembly 200. One lead 212A connects to the upwardly-extending fingers208 and the other lead 212B connects to the downwardly-extending fingers206. In the example non-limiting embodiment, lead 212A is connected toone polarity of DC power supply 108, and the lead 212B is connected tothe other polarity of the DC power supply. Thus, the alternating fingers206, 208 have alternating electrical polarities, i.e., “+ − +− . . . ”in the example embodiment. In the example non-limiting embodiment,electrolysis is performed between each pair of fingers 206, 208 byapplying a sufficient DC voltage potential between the upper and lowerrings 202, 204 (e.g., at least 1.3 to 1.7 VDC) so that current flows viathe electrolyte in the water W in which the assembly is immersed and theproduction of hydrogen gas is promoted.

In its broadest sense, the electrodes of the provided cleaning apparatus100 can generally have any shape that can effectively conductelectricity through the aqueous electrolytic solution between itself andanother electrode, and can include, but not be limited to, a planarelectrode, an annular electrode, a spring-type electrode, and a porouselectrode. The anode and cathode electrodes can be shaped and positionedto provide a substantially uniform gap between a cathode and an anodeelectrode pair. On the other hand, the anode and the cathode can havedifferent shapes, different dimensions, and can be positioned apart fromone another non-uniformly. In some example non-limiting implementations,an important relationship between the anode and the cathode can be for asufficient flow of current through the anode at an appropriate voltageto promote the production of hydrogen gas.

The cell passage of the robust cell forms a gap between the at least onepair of electrodes having a gap spacing between about 0.1 mm to about0.5 mm; and wherein the operating voltage can be between about 3 andabout 6 volts or about 9 volts or about 12 volts. The robust cells arestacked in this embodiment to form elongated hollow tubular structureshaving their peripheries defined by the active electrodes, each tubularstructure defining therein a gas bubble passageway that extends upwardlytoward a surface of a liquid in which the apparatus is to be submersedwithin. Gas bubbles may form within the tubular structures as well as onthe outside peripheries of the tubular structures, where they rise totoward the surface. Such rising bubbles can cause particles within theliquid to elevate to the surface S.

The electrode material routinely can be selected from those known in theart. In some embodiments, anodes and/or cathodes of the apparatuscomprise one or more elements selected from for example iron, copper,carbon, aluminum, graphite, steel, nitrogen-doped carbon, tantalum,titanium, zirconium, iridium, palladium, platinum, niobium or a nitride,a carbide, a carbon nitride and a tantalum, titanium, zirconium, nickel,silver, and tin.

In some embodiments, anodes and/or cathodes of the cleaning apparatuscomprise a coating/layer (e.g., cladding or plating). In someembodiments, the coating comprises one or more of for example: titanium,niobium, tantalum, ruthenium (e.g., ruthenium dioxide), rhodium,manganese (e.g., manganese dioxide), iridium, palladium, platinum,nickel, tin, gold, or pyrolytic graphite, or an oxide or alloy of two ormore metals, or a mixture of two or more alloys or metal layers thereof.In particular embodiments, the electrodes comprise tin or an oxide oralloy thereof. In some embodiments, the anodes and/or cathodes of theapparatus comprise a coating having a thickness of 0.1 μm to 4.0 μm.

Electrode Spacing:

In some embodiments, the apparatus contains an anode and cathodeelectrode spacing of 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm. In preferredembodiments, the apparatus contains an anode and cathode electrodespacing of ¼″ or 2 mm or 3 mm

Electrode Assembly:

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus contains a cylindricalelectrode assembly (e.g., 200) that provides alternating anodes andcathodes. In some embodiments the spacing of the alternating electrodesin the electrode assembly is 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm. In preferredembodiments, the alternating electrodes in the electrode assembly of thecleaning apparatus have a spacing of ¼″ or 2 mm or 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 has at least oneelectrode assembly containing 2-40, 4-30, 6-30, 10-30, 15-30, or 18-24,alternating anodes and cathodes. In some embodiments, the cleaningapparatus contains a circular electrode assemblies containing 24alternating anodes and cathodes. In some embodiments the spacing of thealternating electrodes in the electrode assembly is 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm,or 1-5 mm.

In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus contains 1-24 cylindricalelectrode assemblies. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatuscontains 1-24, 2-16, 4-12, or 6-12, circular electrode assemblies. Inpreferred embodiments, the cleaning apparatus contains 8, cylindricalelectrode assemblies.

In particular embodiments, the cleaning apparatus contains 8 cylindricalelectrode assemblies having 24 alternating anodes and cathodes. In someembodiments the spacing of the alternating electrodes in the electrodeassemblies is 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm.

Voltage Ranges for Electrolysis:

In some embodiments, electrolysis is performed at 1-10, 2-8, or 3-5 V.In a preferred embodiment, electrolysis is performed at 4 VDC or 6 VDCor 9 VDC or 12 VDC or 15 VDC or 18 VDC or 20 VDC.

Time Ranges for Electrolysis:

In some embodiments, electrolysis is performed wherein electrolysis isperformed for 15 minutes to 2.5 hours, 30 minutes to 2 hours, 45 minutesto 1.5 hours, or 30 minutes to 1 hour or 30 minutes to 48 hours.

As shown in FIG. 8, multiple electrode assemblies 200 are providedwithin cleaning apparatus 100. These electrode assemblies 100 can bestacked one on top of another to provide a multi-tiered (herethree-tiered) electrode structure retained by rings 164, 164′. Thus inthe non-limiting implementation shown, there are eight cylindricalelectrode structures 104 disposed within cage 150, each electrodestructure 104 being stacked three-high to provide a total of eightcylindrical hollow electrode tubes each running the length of the cageand each being oriented axially to axis V. In one example non-limitingembodiment, the electrode assemblies 200 are all connected together inparallel to power supply 200 so that the same electrical potentialexists between each adjacent pair of fingers 206, 208. As explainedabove, when the electrode assemblies 104 are immersed in water W inwhich a salt such as aluminum sulfate is dissolved, and a DC electricalpotential is connected across the top and bottom portions of theelectrode assemblies, electrolysis occurs between each adjacent fingerpair 206, 208 thereby providing substantial electrode surface areawithin the peripheral interior of cage 150.

FIG. 8A shows that the electrode assemblies 200 are mounted to rings164, 164′ in such a way that the rings ruggedly mechanically retain theelectrode assemblies without electrically shorting out the adjacentfingers 206, 208. As shown in FIG. 8B, the tubular electrode assemblies200 are stacked in such a way that non-conductive ring spacerselectrically separate electrode assemblies while providing for examplethree-high assembly stacks, each of which enclose a continuouscylindrical space open at each end, through which water can circulatebetween the adjacent finger pairs 206, 208. The electrode assemblies 200are electrically connected in parallel so the full potential of thepower supply is impressed across all adjacent electrode finger pairs206, 208.

Combined Apparatus

FIG. 6 shows a cage 150 including electromagnet stack 102, and FIG. 8shows cage 150 including electrolysis electrodes 104. FIG. 9 shows acombined apparatus in which cage 150 includes both electromagnet stack102 and electrolysis electrodes 104. In addition, the FIG. 9 apparatusincludes rare earth permanent magnets 190 disposed at the cage upper endportion, one on each spoke 162. The rare earth magnets 190 attractferromagnetic particles, resulting in “beards” of particles hanging fromthe permanent magnets. These permanent magnets 190 are placed near theouter periphery of cage 150 so their magnetic fields do not undulyinterfere with the magnetic field pattern the electromagnet stackproduces.

FIGS. 11A-11B, 12A-12B and 13 show alternative embodiments. FIG. 11A-11Bshows an immersible or submersible cylindrical embodiment 500 thatincludes a closed cylindrical wall 504 open at both ends and havingalternating electrodes 502 disposed on inner cylindrical walls. A magnetor electromagnet 506 may be disposed in or near the core of the closedcylinder. In some instances, the cylindrical wall 504 may bewater-impermeable and in other instances it may be water-permeable. Insome embodiments the magnet or electromagnet 506 may be disposed outsidethe cylindrical wall 506 or wrapped around the outer cylindrical wall.

FIG. 12A-12B shows a rectangular apparatus 550 having a rectangularhousing 553 with an electrode 554 disposed at each corner and a magnetor electromagnet 556 disposed at or near the core of the rectangularstructure. The rectangular housing 553 can be water-impermeable orwater-permeable, and may be open at one or both ends or closed at one orboth ends.

FIG. 13 shows a continuous flow embodiment 600 including a cylindricalpipe, culvert or other water carrying structure 602. A magnetic fieldcollar 606 disposed on the outside of the pipe 602 generates a magneticfield, and electrolysis electrodes 604 disposed within the pipe areconnected to a DC current to provide electrolysis of water Wcontinuously flowing within the pipe. The magnetic field collar 606 maycomprise insulated conductive windings, a permanent “doughnut” typemagnet of the type used for MRI devices, etc. The length of theelectrodes 604 along the pipe and the length of the magnetic collar 60may be determined based on the flow rate of the water within the pipe602. The collar 606 may be disposed before the electrodes 604 in termsof flow direction, after the electrodes or at the same position as theelectrodes. The collar 604 may be longer than the electrodes 604,shorter than the electrodes or the same length as the electrodes. Ventsand other mechanisms may be provided to vent or capture gases andlevitated flocculated material, or an in-line filtration system may beprovided to capture the flocculant or slurry.

The FIG. 13 continuous processing embodiment 600 provides for water W tocontinuously flow through a cylinder or other water carrying structureof any configuration and be exposed to a magnetic field and/orelectrolysis (which may be located at or near the same point in thepipeline or may be staged so that the water is exposed to a magneticfield first and before undergoing electrolysis or the water is exposedto electrolysis first before being exposed to a magnetic field or thewater is exposed to electrolysis and magnetic field at the same time forat least part of the time it is exposed to either electrolysis or amagnetic field (i.e., the magnetic field may extend over a length of thepipe that is longer that the length of the pipe over which electrolysisextends, or over a length of the pipe that is shorter that the length ofthe pipe over which electrolysis extends, or over a length of the pipethat is the same as the length of the pipe over which electrolysisextends, and may be co-located or differently located relative to oneanother). In the FIG. 13 embodiment, the flow rate of the water andlength of the pipe over which the electromagnets and the electrolysiselectrodes are disposed determines how long the water is exposed to arespective magnetic field and electrolysis.

It is also possible to provide additional magnetic fields localized toeach of the electrolysis grids in the cage embodiments above.

Example

In one non-limiting example use, a quantity (e.g., 467 grams) of coalash is added to a quantity (e.g., 220 gallons) of water in an enclosedtank slightly larger than cleaning apparatus 100, and the cleaningapparatus is entirely immersed in the tank. The water is maintained atan outdoor temperature in the range of 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In someembodiments, the method/process is performed at room temperature, 50-60degrees, 65-75 degrees, etc. (too cold may not be good for some examplenon-limiting processes).

Power supply 108 is then connected to the electromagnets describedabove, and the voltage and current of the power supply are varied (e.g.,60 amps or 100 amps, and 6 VDC or 12 VDC) for period of approximately 45minutes as follows:

6 VDC at 60 amps for 10 minutes;

12 VDC at 70 amps for 10 minutes;

12 VDC at 98 amps for 10 minutes;

12 VDC for 60 minutes.

The power supply 108 is then disconnected from the electromagnets (seeFIG. 2A). A quantity of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is added to thetank, and the water in the tank is agitated to dissolve the salt intothe water.

The power supply 108 is then connected to the electrolysis electrodes104 at 12 VDC and 120 amps. Surface effects such as shown in FIGS. 3Aand then 3B are observed over the course of approximately an hour ormore. The Table I above shows and FIGS. 14A-14F show test results fromwater samples taken before, during and after such treatment:

FIG. 14A shows an initial silver (Ag) concentration in the wastewater ofin excess of 0.25 ppm before treatment, with the concentration fallingto below 0.1 ppm as treatment progressed (the samples were taken at timeintervals after electrolysis began));

FIG. 14B shows an initial Arsenic (As) concentration of in excess of 60ppm before treatment, with the concentration falling to essentially zeroafter treatment;

FIG. 14C shows an initial Barium (Ba) concentration of nearly 180 ppmbefore treatment, with the concentration falling to less than 10 (e.g.,less then 7) ppm after treatment began and continuing to fall to lessthan 2 ppm as treatment progressed;

FIG. 14D shows an initial Cadmium (Cd) concentration of more than 0.9ppm before treatment, with the concentration falling to near zero astreatment progressed (the concentration of Cd took some time afterelectrolysis began to fall, decreasing first to about 50%, then to about25% and finally to nearly zero);

FIG. 14E shows an initial concentration of Chromium (Cr) of about 11 ppmbefore treatment, falling to close to zero as treatment progressed;

FIG. 14F shows an initial concentration of Mercury (Hg) of over 0.5 ppb,falling to approximately 1/10th of that as treatment progressed;

FIG. 14G shows an initial concentration of Lead (Pb) of about 13 ppmbefore treatment, falling to near zero as treatment progressed; and

FIG. 14H shows an initial concentration of Selenium (Se) of over 2 ppm,falling to near zero as treatment progressed

The first sample taken before treatment began was nearly opaque andgrey, with coal ash suspended in the liquid. The second and thirdsamples were relatively clear and transparent. The third, fourth andfifth samples were orange-brown in color. These various samples werepulled from the reaction volume at about 10 to 15 minute intervals afterelectrolysis began. In some cases, concentration increased betweensample 4 and sample 5, perhaps indicating that once electrolysis wasturned off, certain parts of the slurry floating at the surface S mightgo back into solution. Thus, it may be that in some applications,depending on requirements, the slurry should be skimmed from the surfacewhile electrolysis is still progressing. Successive skimming or a singleskimming operation could be provided, depending on the application. Allitems cited above are hereby incorporated by reference as if expresslyset forth.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. A method/process of removing a material/a rare earth element/acontaminant/a heavy metal/from a liquid and/or fluid, comprising: (a)exposing liquid containing the material/rare earthelement/contaminant/heavy metal/coal ash to a magnetic field gradient;and (b) performing electrolysis on the exposed liquid, the electrolysiscausing a slurry to rise to the surface of the liquid.
 2. Themethod/process of 1 wherein an electrolyte is added to the liquid orexposed liquid such that the ion concentration of the liquid issufficient to carry out electrolysis.
 3. The method/process of 2 whereinthe electrolyte comprises salt of aluminum (e.g., aluminum sulfate or“alum”, aluminum chloride, or poly aluminum chloride), iron (e.g.,carbonates, chlorides or sulfates), calcium (e.g., carbonates, chloridesor sulfates), sodium (e.g., carbonates, chlorides or sulfates), or amixture thereof.
 4. The method/process according to claim 1 wherein theelectrolyte comprises sodium carbonate.
 5. The method/process accordingto claim 1 wherein the magnetic field gradient is formed by at least: aferromagnetic rod electromagnet that forms a magnetic field of 200-4500,300-3000, 400-2500, 500-2000, 600-1500, or 800-1300 Gauss; and a lowerstator field coil winding assembly that forms a magnetic field of15-250, 25-200, 50-170, or 75-150 Gauss.
 6. The method/process accordingto claim 1 wherein the magnetic field gradient is formed by aferromagnetic rod electromagnet that forms a magnetic field of 200-4500,300-3000, 400-2500, 500-2000, 600-1500, or 800-1300 Gauss, a lowerstator field coil winding assembly that forms a magnetic field of15-250, 25-200, 50-170, or 75-150 Gauss, a middle stator field coilwinding assembly that forms a magnetic field of 5-150, 10-100, or 25-75Gauss, and an upper stator field coil winding assembly that forms amagnetic field of 1-100, 5-75, or 10-50 Gauss.
 7. The method/processaccording to claim 1 wherein electrolysis is performed by at least onecylindrical electrode assembly that provides alternating anodes andcathodes having a spacing of 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm.
 8. Themethod/process of 7 wherein the at least one cylindrical electrodeassembly contains 2-40, 4-30, 6-30, 10-30, 15-30, or 18-24, alternatinganodes and cathodes.
 9. The method/process according to claim 8 whereinelectrolysis is performed by 1-24, 2-16, 4-12, or 6-12, circularelectrode assemblies.
 10. The method/process according to claim 1wherein electrolysis is performed by 8 cylindrical electrode assemblieshaving 24 alternating anodes and cathodes and wherein the spacing of thealternating electrodes in the electrode assemblies is 0.5-10 mms, 1-8mm, or 1-5 mm.
 11. The method/process according to claim 1 whereinelectrolysis is performed at 1-10, 2-8, or 3-5 V.
 12. The method/processaccording to claim 1 wherein electrolysis is performed for 15 minutes to2 hours, 30 minutes to hours, or 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
 13. Apparatuscomprising: at least one electromagnet immersible in an aqueous solutioncontaining at least one metal or metalloid in solution; and at least onepair of electrolysis electrodes; wherein the apparatus is structured tobe connectable to a power supply for supplying electrical power to theat least one electromagnet and/or the electrolysis electrodes, andwherein the apparatus is further characterized by the electromagnetand/or electrolysis electrodes being configured to substantially reduceconcentration of the at least one metal or metalloid in the aqueoussolution by causing metal or metalloid to rise to the top of the aqueoussolution.
 14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the at leastone metal comprises at least one of arsenic, cadmium, lead and chromium,and the electromagnet and/or electrolysis electrodes are configured toreduce concentration of the metal from significantly measurable tounmeasurably small and/or de minimis and/or functionally unmeasurableand/or significantly reduced.
 15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14wherein the at least one metal comprises barium, mercury and/orselenium, and the electromagnet and/or electrolysis electrodes areconfigured to reduce concentration of the metal by a factor of at least100.
 16. The cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the at least oneelectromagnetic is configured to produce a magnetic field gradient. 17.The cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the electrolysis electrodesdefine an enclosed structure.
 18. The cleaning apparatus of claim 15wherein the electrolysis electrodes define at least one elongatedcylindrical cage.
 19. The cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein theelectrolysis electrodes define plural elongated cylindrical cages aroundthe periphery of the at least one electromagnet.
 20. A process forcleaning a liquid comprising: (a) exposing the liquid containing coalash to a magnetic field gradient; and (b) performing electrolysis on theexposed liquid, the electrolysis causing a slurry to rise to and/or formon the surface of the liquid.
 21. Submersible apparatus comprising: asupport structure; at least one magnet disposed within the supportstructure; and an array of plural tubular electrolysis electrodeassemblies mounted onto the support structure about a periphery of theat least one magnet.
 22. The submersible apparatus of claim 21 whereinthe at least one magnet produces a magnetic field gradient that isstronger near a bottom of the apparatus than near a top of the apparatuswhen the apparatus is oriented to be immersed.
 23. The submersibleapparatus of claim 21 wherein the array of plural tubular electrolysiselectrode assemblies are oriented such that each assembly comprisesalternating anodes and cathodes, each tubular electrolysis electrodeassembly defining a gas bubble passageway therein that extends upwardlytoward a surface of a liquid in which the apparatus is to be submersedwithin.
 24. The submersible apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at leastone magnet comprises: an electromagnet stack defining a liquid core; anda vertically-oriented rod electromagnet disposed through the liquidcore.
 25. The submersible apparatus of claim 24 wherein theelectromagnet stack comprises a stack of AC induction motor field coilsoperated on DC current.
 26. The submersible apparatus of claim 21wherein the electrolysis electrode assemblies comprise at least 8cylindrical electrode assemblies having 24 alternating anodes andcathodes and wherein the spacing of the alternating electrodes in theelectrode assemblies is 0.5-10 mms, 1-8 mm, or 1-5 mm.
 27. Thesubmersible apparatus of claim 21 wherein the apparatus is structured sothat the magnet and the electrode assemblies are activatable separately.28. The submersible apparatus of claim 21 wherein the apparatus isstructured to process a continuous liquid flow.
 29. The submersibleapparatus of claim 21 wherein the apparatus is structured to generategas bubbles that carry particles upward to a surface of a liquid. 30.The submersible apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at least one magnetcomprises a rare earth magnet.